Ticker tape parade explained

A ticker tape parade is a parade event held in a built-up urban setting, allowing large amounts of shredded paper (originally actual ticker tape, but now mostly confetti) to be thrown from nearby office buildings onto the parade route, creating a celebratory effect by the snowstorm-like flurry. The concept originates from and is most usually associated with the United States, especially with New York City. Outside the United States, ticker tape is often associated with the 1978 FIFA World Cup held in Argentina.[1][2][3]

History

The term originated in New York City after a spontaneous celebration held on October 28, 1886, during the dedication of the Statue of Liberty[4] and is still most closely associated with New York City. The term ticker tape originally referred to the use of the paper output of ticker tape machines, which were remotely driven devices used in brokerages to provide updated stock marketquotes. The term ticker came from the sound made by the machine as it printed.[5]

The section of lower Broadway through the Financial District that serves as the parade route for these events is colloquially called the "Canyon of Heroes". More than 200 black granite strips embedded in the sidewalks along the Canyon of Heroes list honorees of past ticker-tape parades.[8] By the early 21st century, such parades became far more infrequent, largely limited to championship sports teams, and celebrations of the return of astronauts and military troops.

Ticker tape technology became obsolete in the 1960s, as television and computers came into use for transmitting financial information.[5] Modern parades utilize waste office paper and toilet paper that have been cut using conventional paper shredders.[9] The city also distributes paper confetti.[10]